I can hardly believe I’m already over a year postpartum — technically 14 months, but who’s counting anymore? This past year has been full of movement, exhaustion, joy, and the constant reminder that healing after birth isn’t linear. I wanted to share a real look into where I’m at right now — my fitness journey, my energy (or lack thereof), and how I’m finding balance as a mom of four.
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Sleep Deprivation: The Real MVP of Postpartum Life
Zoe is amazing in every way — except her ability to sleep. Somehow, even after having four kids, I managed to forget that sleeping through the night is not guaranteed at one year old. My husband’s been away for work, our mom’s been out of town helping my brother, and I’ve been running on fumes.
So, even though I’m a year postpartum, my workouts have been minimal lately. When you’re up all night and still chasing toddlers during the day, waking up at 5 AM to train just isn’t happening — especially when your baby senses your every move and wakes up at 5:10.
But when I do get a workout in, it feels good. I’m stronger than I was a few months ago, and I can even do pull-ups again! Still, the biggest challenge right now isn’t motivation — it’s fatigue.
Training for Life (and Maybe a Marathon)
I have a 10-mile race coming up… in a few days… and let’s just say my “training plan” hasn’t exactly gone as intended. After finishing my marathon earlier this year, I took a well-earned break — that just never ended. But I’m showing up for the 10-miler, because at this point, I know I can finish it.
Long-term, I’m prepping for the Disney Marathon in January. This time, I’ll actually train (or at least, that’s the goal). I’ve learned that pushing myself only works when my life allows for recovery — sleep, food, and childcare are part of training too.
Return to running after giving birth so that you run faster and feel stronger than before! This program progresses through rehabilitation training, single leg stabilization, and a progression back towards repetitive, high impact movements.
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The Power of Support (and Why I Miss My Mom)
The past couple of months have reminded me how crucial support is. When our mom is around, I get to work out, eat real meals, and have some space to breathe. Without her, it’s survival mode — lots of “girl dinners” (read: rice, seaweed, and ramen).
It’s easy to look at my life and think, “Wow, she does so much!” But the truth is, I only manage it all because I usually have support. When that’s gone, everything feels harder. So if you’re struggling to juggle motherhood and fitness, please know — it’s not about willpower. It’s about resources, rest, and help.
Honoring the Postpartum Body
At 14 months postpartum, I feel strong — but not in a “bounce back” kind of way. My pelvic floor feels great, though I still focus on maintaining balance in my movement. For example, I adjust how I hold weights during single-leg exercises to support my pelvic floor and hip function.
These small tweaks make a huge difference. They help me lift heavier, run better, and move without pain. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress and feeling good in my body.
Redefining Fitness in Motherhood
One of the biggest mindset shifts I’ve had this year is redefining what “fitness” means. Some days, I get a full hour-long lift in. Other days, it’s a 15-minute circuit or a walk with the kids. I’ve learned that a workout doesn’t have to be long to be worth it.
Our MamasteFit programs are built with this in mind — every session is divided into sections so you can do one part now, another later, or the whole thing if the stars align. Movement is still movement, even when it’s short and imperfect.
The Emotional Side of Year One
This year has been an emotional rollercoaster — juggling work, homeschooling, solo parenting, grief, and PMS (which came back with a vengeance once my period returned). My kids have become my best mirrors. When I’m snappy, my son lovingly tells me to calm down, reminding me that this season, as chaotic as it is, is still full of love.
Zoe’s still contact napping, waking up multiple times a night, and I’m constantly negotiating with her to “please, just sleep.” But she’s my last baby, and I’m holding on to these snuggles a little tighter. I know how quickly they grow up.
A Message to Every Postpartum Mom
If you’re one year postpartum and still feel like you’re “not back yet,” please know — that’s normal. Your baby is still a baby. You’re still healing, still adjusting, still figuring it out.
Healing doesn’t stop at six weeks, or six months, or even one year. It’s a continual process of adapting to the demands of motherhood. Some seasons will feel strong and energized. Others will be slow and heavy. Both are okay.
So if your workouts are shorter, your meals are chaotic, and your sleep is a disaster — you’re still doing an incredible job. Keep showing up in small ways, keep moving when you can, and give yourself grace for the rest.
My Go-To Postpartum Support
A few products that have made a difference in my recovery:
Collagen Protein: I add Needed’s collagen to my morning coffee for a little extra protein (especially on “girl breakfast” days).
Prenatal Multivitamin & Omega-3s: I still take these postpartum to support overall recovery and energy.
Iron Supplement: Because I definitely don’t eat enough red meat, and my ferritin levels thank me for it.
You can check out Needed at thisisneeded.com and use code MAMASTEPOD for 20% off.
Final Thoughts
Postpartum life is a constant balancing act. Some days you’ll feel unstoppable; others, you’ll just want to nap forever. Both are valid. Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s — and it definitely doesn’t have to follow a timeline.
When you’re ready to move again, our Prenatal, Postpartum, and Beyond fitness programs are here for you — flexible, supportive, and designed by moms who get it.
Check them out at MamasteFit.com/fitness-programs and use code STORY10 for 10% off.
Here’s to moving through motherhood with strength, grace, and a whole lot of caffeine.
Additional Resources
Prenatal Support Courses
Learn the science of pregnancy and birth to take the mystery of labor away! Understand why you are feeling what you feel, and learn strategies to confidently move through pregnancy and birth!
- 9h+ of Video
- Support Group
- Close Captioning
- 5 Workouts/Week
- Gym Workouts
- Self-Paced
Instructor
GINA
Workout on-demand with our prenatal fitness workout videos! Each workout is 30-40 minutes to follow along as you exercise at the same time!
- Birth Prep
- All Trimesters
- Mobility Work
Instructor
GINA
Find comfort and relief from pelvic girdle pain throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period! This program incorporates myofascial sling focused exercises to stabilize across the pelvic girdle joints.
- 3 Weeks
- On Demand Workout Videos to Follow